Reclining forward folding seat

ABSTRACT

A seat assembly including a cushion frame and a back frame with control means operatively interconnecting the frames for allowing the back frame to recline from an upright seat-forming position while preventing forward folding movement and for allowing forward folding movement of the back frame from the upright seatforming position while preventing reclining movement. Two embodiments are disclosed and in each embodiment the control means includes a C-shaped link pivotally connected to the cushion frame on the folding axis and pivotally connected to the back frame at a point on the reclining axis when in the upright seatforming position. A second link is pivotally connected to the cushion frame on the reclining axis and depends therefrom and has various flanges to coact with a dependent arcuate section of the back frame and the C-shaped link for allowing folding movement while preventing reclining movement and vice versa. A positioning mechanism interconnects the cushion frame and the lower end of the second link for controlling the reclining position of the back frame. In one embodiment the reclining and folding axes intersect and in another embodiment the axes are parallel.

United States Patent [72] Inventor Raymond C. Posh Livonia, Mich.

[21] Appl. No. 752,529

[22] Filed Aug. 14, 1968 [45] Patented May 25, 1971 [73] Assignee LearSiegler, Inc.

Santa Monica, Calif.

[54] RECLINING FORWARD FOLDING SEAT 36 Claims, 15 Drawing Figs.

Primary Examiner-Francis K. Zugel AttorneyBarnard, McGlynn & ReisingABSTRACT: A seat assembly including a cushion frame and a back framewith control means operatively interconnecting the frames for allowingthe back frame to recline from an upright seat-forming position whilepreventing forward folding movement and for allowing forward foldingmovement of the back frame from the upright seat-forming position whilepreventing reclining movement. Two embodiments are disclosed and ineachembodiment the control means includes a C-shaped link pivotallyconnected to the cushion frame on the folding axis and pivotallyconnected to the back frame at a point on the reclining axis when in theupright seat-forming position. A second link is pivotally connected tothe cushion frame on the reclining axis and depends therefrom and hasvarious flanges to coact with a dependent arcuate section of the backframe and the C-shaped link for allowing folding movement whilepreventing reclining movement and vice versa. A positioning mechanisminterconnects the cushion frame and the lower end of the second link forcontrolling the reclining position of the back frame. In one embodimentthe reclining and folding axes intersect and in another embodiment theaxes are parallel.

PATENTEDMAY2$197| 3; 580.635

sum 2 or 5 INVENTOR.

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4 T TURNEYS PATENTEUHAYZ'SIBYI 3580.635

SHEET 3 OF 5 INVENTOR.

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SHEET 5 [IF 5 MC m a RECLINING FORWARD FOLDING SEAT The instantinvention relates to a seat assembly of the type utilized in vehiclessuch as automobiles and trucks. More specifically, the invention relatesto a seat assembly including a cushion frame and a back frame whereinthe back frame mat pivot relative to the cushion frame forwardly from anupright seat-forming position and rearwardly to one of various reclinedpositions. Such a seat is frequently utilized in a twodoor passenger carto facilitate ingress and egress to and from the rear seat of thevehicle by forwardly folding the back frame relative to the cushionframe and where the back frame may be moved to one of various reclinedpositions for greater comfort.

This is accomplished in one prior-art scat assembly by utilizing anintermediate frame member which is pivotally connected at one end to thecushion frame and is pivotally connected at the other end to the backframe. A positioning mechanism interconnects the back frame and theintermediate frame to control the reclining pivotal movement of the backframe relative to the intermediate frame. In order to move the backframe to a forward folded position, the back frame and the intermediateframe are pivoted together about the pivotal connection of theintermediate frame to the cushion frame. There is, however, no provisionin such an assembly to prevent the intermediate frame from pivotingrelative to the cushion frame while the back frame is in a reclinedposition. Furthermore, such an intermediate frame must be connectedoutwardly of the cushion frame so as to clear the padding, upholstery,trim, etc., disposed on the cushion frame. This, of course, does notprovide an aesthetically attractive seat assembly. Thus, one of themajor problems with prior-art seat assemblies is that no seat assemblyexists which includes a forwardly folding and rearwardly reclining backframe which is supported by members inboard of the side extremities ofthe cushion frame so as to extend through a very small opening in theupholstery and padding supported by the cushion frame. In other words,any known means for pivotally interconnecting the back frame and thecushion frame to allow both for wardly folding and rearwardly recliningmovement requires an unacceptably large aperture in the upholstery andcushioning material if disposed inboard of the side extremities of thecushion frame.

Accordingly, it is an object and feature of this invention to provide aseat assembly including a back frame and a cushion frame with controlmeans operatively interconnecting the frames for allowing the back frameto recline from an upright seat-forming position while preventingforward folding movement thereof and for allowing forward foldingmovement of the back frame from the upright seat-forming position whilepreventing reclining movement thereof.

Another object and feature of this invention is to provide a seatassembly including a cushion frame having side extremities and a backframe with control means disposed inwardly of the side extremities ofthe cushion frame pivotally interconnecting the back frame and thecushion frame for allowing the back frame to move between an uprightseat-forming position and a reclined position and to move between theupright seatforming position and a forwardly folded position.

In correlation with the foregoing objects and features, another objectand feature of this invention is to include in the seat assembly a firstlink means pivotally connected to the back frame to allow the back frameto pivot relative thereto back and forth between the upright seatformingposition and a reclined position and pivotally connected to the cushionframe to allow the back frame to pivot between the upright seat-formingposition and a forwardly folded position.

In correlation with the foregoing objects and features, another objectand feature of this invention is to provide a seat assemblywherein theback frame has a section disposed in overlapping relationship with thefirst link means when in the upright seat-forming position and includingmeans operably with this section of the back frame and the first linkmeans for allowing the back frame to recline while preventing forwardfolding movement thereof and for allowing the forward folding movementof the back frame while preventing reclining movement thereof.

In correlation of the foregoing objects and features of this invention,another object and feature is to provide a seat assembly wherein themeans for controlling movement of the seat of the back frame includes asecond link means pivotally connected to the cushion frame andcooperably with the section of the back frame and the first link means.

In correlation with the foregoing objects and features of thisinvention, another object and feature is to provide a seat assemblywherein a first segment of the first link means is arcuate in an areabout the pivotal connection thereof to the cushion frame and thesection of the back frame and the second link means are disposed in thesame are and are in overlapping relationship when the back frame is inthe upright seat-forming position.

In correlation with the foregoing objects and features of thisinvention, another object and feature is to provide a seat assemblywherein the arcuate section of the back frame, the first segment of thefirst link means, and the second link means have front and rear edgeswith various tabs extending therefrom to coact with one another to limitthe forwardly folding and reclining movements of the back frame as wellas preventing reclining movement during forwardly folding movement andvice versa.

Other objects and attendant advantages of the present invention will bereadily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by referenceto the following detailed description when considered in connection withthe accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. I is a fragmentary side elevational view of a first preferredembodiment of the instant invention and showing the upholstery andcushioning material in phantom and a major portion of the side of thecushion frame broken away;

FIG. 2 is a plan view partially broken away and in cross section of theembodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary view of the control means of theinstant invention which pivotally interconnects the back frame and thecushion frame with the outwardly disposed support elements of thecushion frame shown in phantom and the back frame shown in the uprightseat-forming position;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 but showing the back frame in thefully reclined position;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary crosssectional view takensubstantially along line 5-5 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 3 but showing the back frame in thefully forwardly folded position;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken substantially alongline 77 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view taken substantially along line 8-8 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken substantially alongline 9- 9 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary plan view partially broken away and in crosssection of another preferred embodiment of the instant invention;

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken substantially alongline lI-l1 of FIG. 10 and showing the back frame in the uprightseat-forming position;

FIG. I2 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 11 butshowing the back frame in the fully forwardly folded position;

FIG. 13 is a view similar to FIG. I] but showing the back frame in thefully reclined position;

FIG. 14 is a view taken substantially along line 14-44 of FIG. I0; and

FIG. I5 is a view taken substantially along line 15-15 of FIG. I0.

Referring now to the drawings wherein like numerals indicate like orcorresponding parts throughout the several views, a seat assemblyincorporating the instant invention is generally shown at 10.

As alluded to hereinabove, two preferred embodiments of the inventionare set forth herein. The first embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 1through 9 and the second embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 10 through15. Both embodiments will be described simultaneously and thosecomponents and elements which are common will be indicated with numeralsthe same or the same numerals with the numeral of the second embodimenthaving a prime therewith.

The seat assembly 10 includes a cushion frame 12 and a back frame 14.The back frame 14 includes a pair of arms which are interconnected andsupport upholstery and cushioning material as is well known in the art.The cushion frame 12 has lateral sides or extremities and the lower endsof the arms of the back frame 14 are disposed inwardly of the sides ofthe cushion frame 12.

The seat assembly 10 includes control means gencrally shown at 16operatively interconnecting the frames 12 and 14 for allowing the backframe 14 to recline from an upright seatforming position whilepreventing forward folding movement thereof and for automaticallyallowing forward folding movement of the back frame 14 from the uprightseat-forming position while preventing reclining movement thereof.

The seat assembly 10 also includes a positioning means 18 forpositioning the back frame 14 in any one of various reclined positions.

The control means 16 includes a first pivotal connection for defining areclining axis about which the back frame 14 reclines relative to thecushion frame 12 and a second pivotal connection for defining a forwardfolding axis about which the back frame 14 pivots forwardly relative tothe cushion frame 12 to accomplish the forward folding movement. In thefirst embodiment of FIGS. 1 through 9, the first pivotal connection isdefined by the rivets or pins 20 and 21 and the shaft 22 and the secondpivotal connection is defined by the rivet or pin 24 and the shaft 22.In the second embodiment of FIGS. 10 through 15, the first pivotalconnection is defined by the rivets or pins 20', 21, and the rivet orpin 22, and the second pivotal connection is defined by the rivets orpins 24. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the control means 16operatively interconnects the back frame 14 the cushion frame 12adjacent one side of the seat assembly at spaced pivotal connections andinterconnects the back frame 14 and the cushion frame 16 at the oppositeside of the seat assembly through a single pivotal connection as definedby the shaft 22. The shaft 22 extends from the cushion frame 12 andthrough the back frame 14 so as to define a reclining axis which extendsthrough the rivets 20 and 21 and the shaft 22 when the seat is in theupright seat-forming position and defines a folding axis which extendsthrough the pin 24 and the interconnection of the shaft 22 and the backframe 14. Hence, in the first embodiment, the reclining axis and thefolding axis intersect at the single pivotal connection between theshaft 22 and back frame 14. Thus, in the first embodiment of FIGS. 1through 9, the back frame 14 will recline straight backwardly about asubstantially horizontal axis and will fold forwardly at an angle so asto move forwardly and toward one side of the cushion frame 12. This, ofcourse, facilitates the ingress and the egress to and from the rear seatof a two-door automobile. In the second embodiment, illustrated in FIGS.10 through 15, the control means operatively interconnects the backframe 14 and the cushion frame 12 adjacent opposite sides of the seatassembly so that the rivets or pins 20', 21', and 22' define a recliningaxis when the back frame 14 is in the upright seatforming position andthe rivets or pins 24' define a forwardly folding axis. Thus, thecontrol means 16 of the second embodiment interconnects the back frame14 and the cushion frame 12 adjacent opposite sides of the seat assemblyso that .the reclining axis and the folding axis are generally parallelto one another. Hence, in the second embodiment, the back frame 14 willforwardly fold straight over the cushion frame 12.

The control means 16 includes first link means 26, 26and 26" pivotallyconnected to the cushion frame 12 on the folding axis through the firstpivotal connection and pivotally connected to the back frame 14 so thatthe back frame 14 may pivot relative thereto about the reclining axis.The second embodiment of FIGS. 10 through 15 utilizes two such firstlink means one being indicated at 26 and one being indicated at 26".Although both first link means 26' and 26" of the second embodiment areidentical, they'are associated with other components in a slightlydifferent manner, which will become more clear hereinafter. In the firstembodiment, the first link means 26 is pivotally connected to thecushion frame 12 through the rivet or pin 24 and the bracket 27, thebracket 27 being welded in position and forming a part of the cushionframe 12. In the second embodiment, the first link means 26 is pivotallyconnected to the cushion frame 12 through the the rivet or pin 24 andthe bracket 28, the bracket 28 being welded or otherwise secured inplace and forming a part of the cushion frame 12. The first link means26" of the second embodiment is pivotally connected to the cushion 12through a rivet or pin 24" and a bracket 29, the bracket 29 being weldedor otherwise secured in place and forming a part of the cushion frame12. The first link means 26, 26". are respectively pivotally connectedto the back frame 14 by the rivets or pins 20 in the first embodimentand the rivets or pins 20, and 22' in the second embodiment.

The other components to be described hereinafter which are cooperableand engageable with the first link means 26, 26 26" define means forautomatically preventing the first link means 26, 26 and 26" frompivoting about the reclining axis during forward folding movement of theback frame 14 from the upright seat-forming position and forautomatically preventing the first link means 26, 26' and 26" frompivoting about the forward folding axis during reclining movement of theback frame 14 from the upright seat-forming position.

The control means 16 also includes second link means 30 and 30' with theback frame 14 and the first link means 26' for allowing recliningmovement of the back frame 14 by allowing the back frame to pivotrelative to the first link means 26, 26" while preventing movement ofthe first link means 26, 26 and 26" about the folding axis and forallowing folding movement of the back frame 14 by allowing the firstlink means 26, 26" to pivot relative to the cushion frame 12 about thefolding axis while preventing the back frame 14 from pivoting relativeto the first link means 26, 26' and 26". The second link means 30 of thefirst embodiment is pivotally connected adjacent a first end thereofthrough the rivet or pin 21 and a bracket 32 to the cushion frame 12,the bracket 32 being welded in position and forming a part of thecushion frame 12, whereby the second link means 30 may pivot relative tothe cushion frame 12 about the reclining axis. The second link means 30'of the second embodiment is pivotally connected adjacent a first endthereof through the rivet or pin 21' to the bracket 28 of the cushionframe 12 for pivotal movement relative thereto about the reclining axis.Each of the second link means 30 and 30 has a second end and has atleast one generally areuate edge or extremity extending between the endsthereof. The second link means 30 of the first embodiment is generallyareuate in configuration whereas the second link means 30 of the secondembodiment has but one areuate extremity or edge.

The back frame 14 includes an arcuate section 34 having the same radiusas the arcuate extremity of the second link means 30 and 30'respectively. The second link means 30 and 30 are generallycoextensivewith the associated areuate section 34 when the seat is inthe upright seat-forming position, as best illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 11respectively.

First flange means extend from the second link means 30 and 31'respectively for coacting with the arcuate section 34 so that the secondlink means 30 and 30' pivot about the reclining axis with the back frame14 at least in one direction to control the reclined position of theback frame 14. More specifically, in the first embodiment, the firstflange means includes the tab or flange 36 extending from the front edgeof the second link means 30 to coact with the front edge of the arcuatesection 34 of the back frame 14 so that the arcuate section 34 and thesecond link means pivot together about the reclining axis duringreclining movement of the back frame 14 toward the fully reclinedposition.

In the firstembodiment, first flange means also includes a tab 62extending from the rear edge of the second link means 30 for coactingwith the rear edge of the arcuate section 34 of the back frame 14. Thus,the tabs 36 and 62 cause the second link means 30 to rotate with thearcuate section 34 when the back frame 14 is moving in either directionof reclining movement. In the second embodiment, the first flange meansincludes a tab 36 extending from the front edge of the second link means30' to coact with the front edge of the associated arcuate section 34 ofthe back frame 14 so that the arcuate section 34 and the second linkmeans 30 pivot together about the reclining axis during recliningmovement of the back frame 14 toward the fully reclined position.

The second link means 30 and 30 and the associated arcuate sections 34are disposed in an are about the first pivotal connection, which is thepivotal connection of the first link means 26 and 26' to the cushionframe 12 by the rivets or pins 24 and 24'. Thus, the arcuate sections 34may move relative to the respective second link means 30 and 30 bypivoting in the are about the pivotal connection of the first link means26 and 26 to the cushion frame to allow forward folding movement to theback frame 14. Such a movement is illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 12respectively.

The first link means 26 and 26 and 26" in each embodiment includes afirst segment 38 and 38' (as viewed in FIGS. 4 and 13 respectively)which is disposed in an are about the first pivotal connection of thefirst link means to the cushion frame 12. The first segments 38 and 38are generally coextensive with the arcuate sections 34 and the secondlink means 30 and 30' respectively when in the upright seat-formingposition. It will be noted that each of the second link means 30 and30', the arcuate sections 34, and the first segments 38 and 38' haverespective front and rear edges with the front edges respectively beingcloser to the folding axis, i.e., the pivotal connection of the firstlink means to the cushion frame, than the rear edges.

The control means 16 also includes first and second stop means operablybetween the first and second link means and the back frame for limitingreclining movement of the back frame at the upright seat-formingposition and at a fully reclined position and for limiting foldingmovement of the back frame at the upright seatforming position and at afully forwardly folded position. The upright seat-forming position forthe respective embodiments is respectively illustrated in FIGS. 3 and11. The fully reclined position for the respective embodiments isrespectively illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 13. The fully folded forwardposition for the embodiments is respectively illustrated in FIGS. 6 and12. v

The second stop means includes stop tabs 40 and 40' extending from therear edges of the the first segments 38 and 38 of the first link means26 and 26' for coacting with the rear edges of the arcuate sections 34of the back frames 14. The second step means also includes a portion ofthe back frame offset from one of the edges of the arcuate section 34.In the first embodiment, this offset is indicated at 41 and in thesecond embodiment, the offset if indicated at 42. Also included in thesecond stop means is a first tab extending from one edge of the secondlink means for engaging the offset portion to limit folding movement inthe upright seat-forming position as the back frame 14 is pivoted fromthe forward folded position toward the upright seat-forming position andto support the back frame 14. In the first embodiment, the first tab isindicated at 43 and extends from the rear edge of the second link means30. In the second embodiment the first tab is indicated at 43' andextends from the front edge of the second link means 30'.

Each of the first link means 26, 26' and 26" includes second segments 44and 44' which extends from one end of the first segments 38 and 38' tothe first pivotal connection as defined by the rivets or pins 24 and 24.

The tab 36, extending from the front edge of the second link means 30 inthe first embodiment, and the tab 36, extending from the front edge ofthe second link means 30 of the second embodiment, have previously beendescribed and shall be referred to as second tabs. The second stop meansincludes an extension of one of the first andsecond tabs for engagingthe second segment 44 or 44 of the first link means 26 or 26 to preventfurther folding movement of the back frame 14 when the latter reachesthe fully forwardly folded position. More specifically, in theembodiment of FIGS. 1 through 9, the extension is indicated at 46 and isa part of the second tab 36 on the front edge of the second link, means30 and engages the second segment 44 of the first link means 26 at 48 tolimit forward folding movement as illustrated in FIG. 6. In the secondembodiment, the first tab 43 extends from the front edge of the secondlink means 30' and isjuxtaposed to the second tab 36' and the extensionis a part of the first tab 43' and engages the second segment 44 of thefirst link means 26 at 50, as illustrated in FIG. 12, to limit forwardfolding movement of the back frame 14.

The first stop means includes the tabs 36 and 36' of the respectiveembodiments and a first offset portion of the second segments 44 and 44'of the first link means 26 and 26'. In the first embodiment, the firstoffset portion comprises a projection 54 extending transversely from atab 52, the tab 52 in turn extending from the second segment 44 of thefirst link means 26. In the second embodiment, the first offset portioncomprises a hook 55. In the first embodiment, the projection 54 coactswith the second tab 36 to prevent further reclining movement of the backframe 14 when the latter reaches the fully reclined position asillustrated in FIG. 4. In the second embodiment the hook portion 55 ofthe first link means 26 coacts with and is engaged by the second tab 36'to prevent further reclining movement of the back frame 14 when thelatter reaches the fully reclined position as illustrated in FIG. 13.

There is also included a second offset portion in the second segments 44and 44' of each of the first link means 26 and 26 for coacting with thesecond link means 30 and 30' respectively to prevent forward foldingmovement during reclining movement of the back frame 14 and to preventreclining movement during forward folding reclining movement duringforward folding movement of the back frame 14. In the first embodiment,the second offset portion comprises the tab 52 extending from the secondsegment 44 of the first link means 26. The tab 52 coacts with the lowerextremity of the first tab 36 on the second link means during recliningmovement of the back frame 14. In other words, since the second linkmeans 30 is pivotally connected to the cushion frame 12 by the rivet 21,the first link means 26 cannot pivot about the rivet 24 when in theposition illustrated in FIG. 4 because of the interference between thetabs 36 and 52. The tab 52 also coacts with the second tab 36 duringforward folding movement to prevent reclining movement of the secondlink means 30.

In the second embodiment, the second offset portion comprises a jog 60along the second segment 44' of the first link means 26' so that theportions of the second segment 44' on the opposite sides of the jog arein different planes. The jog 60 coacts with the second or lower end ofthe second link means 30' during reclining movement to prevent forwardfolding movement by preventing the first link means 26' from pivotingabout the rivet 24'. The jog 60 also coacts with the second tab 36 alongthe second link means during folding movement to prevent recliningmovement by preventing the second link means 30' from pivoting about itspivotal connection to the cushion frame 12.

It will be noted that in each embodiment the positioning means 18 isconnected at one end to the cushion frame 12 and has a piston extendingtherefrom and connected to the second end of the second link means 30and 30' respectively to control the pivotal movement of the second linkmeans 30 and 30' respectively about the reclining axis for positioningthe back frame 14 in any one of various reclined positions. Positioningmechanisms of the type which may be utilized with the instant inventionare well known in the art.

As alluded hereinbefore, the embodiment of H68. ll through 9 includes aback frame 14 which reclines about an axis which is at an angle to andintersects the axis about which the back frame forwardly folds whereasthe embodiment of FIGS. 10 through includes a back frame 14 whichreclines about an axis which is parallel and spaced from the axis aboutwhich the back frame forwardly folds. Thus, the embodiment of FIGS. 10through 15 includes a control means disposed on opposite sides of theseat assembly for pivotally connecting the back frame 14 to the cushionframe 12. In the second embodiment, however, on one side of the seat nopositioning mechanism is utilized and there is no need for a second linkmeans on that side. Thus, only a similar first link means 26" and asimilar arcuate section 34' interconnect the back frame 14 and thecushion frame 12 on one side of the assembly in the second embodiment.Such is illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15. The arcuate section 34' is notquite arcuate or of the same shape as the arcuate section 34 on theother side of the seat assembly. Also, the lower extremity of thearcuate section 34' includes a flange 70. As viewed in FIG. 14, theoutwardly most spaced member is the bracket 29 and the inwardly mostspaced member is the first link means 26". The bracket 29 has twoarcuate surfaces. During reclining movement of the back frame 14, theflange 70 coacts with the arcuate surface 72 of the bracket 29 toprevent forward folding movement of the back frame 14. The flange 70also limits the reclining movement by engaging either the hook 55 or theprojection of the bracket 29. The flange 70 also coacts with the arcuatesurface 74 of the bracket 29 during forward folding movement to preventreclining movement of the back frame 14.

In the operation of the first embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 through9, the seat is normally positioned with the back frame 14 in the uprightseat-forming position as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3. If it is desiredto recline the back frame 14 about the reclining axis, the positioningmechanism 18 is manually actuated and a force is applied against theback frame 14 to recline it rearwardly toward the fully reclinedposition illustratedin FIG. 4. During this reclining movement the secondlink means 30 coacts through the tab 36 with the arcuate section 34 ofthe back frame 14 to control the amount of reclining movement. Toprevent the first link means 26 from pivoting about the pin 24, the tab52 interferes with the tab 36. To return the back frame 14 to theupright seat-form ing position, the positioning mechanism 18 is actuatedand normally applies a thrust to the second link means 30 which in turntransmits the force through the arcuate section 34 to move the backframe 14 toward the upright seat-forming position. If it is desirous toforwardly fold the back frame 14 to allow ingress or egress to or fromthe rear seat of a two-door automobile, the back frame 14 is merelypushed forwardly when in the upright forming position. As the back frame14 is pushed forwardly, the first link means 26 pivots with the arcuatesection 34 about the pivotal connection at 241 of the first link means26 to the cushion frame 12. During this forward folding movement, thetab 52 interferes with the tab 36 to prevent movement of the second linkmeans 30 which in turn prevents any reclining movement of the backframe.

The second embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 11 through 15 operates in avery similar manner in that from the upright seatforming position, asillustrated in FIG. 11, the back frame 14 may be moved to a reclinedposition, as illustrated in FIG. 13, by actuating the positioningmechanism 18 whereby the second link means 30 will, through the tab 36,control move ment of the back frame M by coacting with the the arcuatesection 34. The back frame 14 of the second embodiment may be moved to aforwardly folded position by pushing on the back frame 14 so that thearcuate section 34 of the back frame moves with the first link means 26'while at the same time on the opposite side of the seat the arcuatesection 34 will move with the first link means 26". During recliningmovement of the second embodiment, the jog 60 coacts with the lower endof the second link means 30' to prevent forward folding movement whilethe seat is in any reclined position. Also, during forward foldingmovement the jog 60 coacts with the tab 36' to prevent movement of thesecond link means 30' and thus, any reclining movement.

The invention has been described in an illustrative manner and it is tobe understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to bein the nature of words of description rather than of limitation.

Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present inventionare possible in light of the above teachings. lt is, therefore, to beunderstood that within the scope of the appended claims, the inventionmay be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property orprivilege is claimed are defined as follows:

1. A seat assembly comprising: a cushion frame, a back frame, saidcontrol means including first link means pivotally connected to saidback frame through a first pivotal connection to define a reclining axisabout which said back frame reclines and pivotally connected to saidcushion frame through a second pivotal connection to define a forwardfolding axis about which said back frame pivots forwardly relative tosaid cushion frame, and means engageable with said first link means forautomatically preventing said first link means from pivoting about saidreclining axis during forward folding movement of said back frame fromsaid upright seat-forming position until said back frame returns to saidupright position and for automatically preventing said first link meansfrom pivoting about said forward folding axis during reclining movementof said back frame from said upright seatforming position until saidback frame returns to said upright position.

2. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 including positioning means forpositioning said back frame in any one of various reclined positions.

3. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said last-mentioned meansincludes first stop means for limiting reclining movement of said backframe.

4. An assembly as set forth in claim 3 wherein said last-mentioned meansincludes second stop means for limiting folding movement of said backframe.

5. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said control meansincludes second link means operable with said back frame and said firstlink means for allowing reclining movement of said back frame byallowing said back frame to pivot relative to said first link meanswhile preventing movement of said first link means about said foldingaxis and for allowing folding movement of said back frame by allowingsaid first link means to pivot relative to said cushion frame about saidfolding axis while preventing said back frame from pivoting relative tosaid first link means.

6. An assembly as set forth in claim 5 including first stop meansoperable between said first and second link means and said back framefor limiting reclining movement of said back frame at said uprightseat-forming position and at a fully reclined position.

7. An assembly as set forth in claim 6 including second stop meansoperable between said first and second link means and said back framefor limiting folding movement of said back frame at said uprightseat-forming position and at a fully forwardly folded position.

8. A seat assembly comprising: a cushion frame, a back frame, controlmeans operatively interconnecting said frames for allowing said backframe to recline from an upright seatforming position while preventingforward folding movement thereof and for allowing forward foldingmovement of said back frame from said upright seat-forming positionwhile preventing reclining movement thereof, said control meansineluding at least one first pivotal connection for defining a recliningaxis about which said back frame reclines relative to said cushion frameand at least one second pivotal connection for defining a forwardfolding axis about which said back frame pivots forwardly relative tosaid cushion frame to accomplish said forward folding movement, firstlink means pivotally connected to said cushion frame on said foldingaxis through said second pivotal connection and pivotally connected tosaid back frame so that said back frame may pivot relative thereto aboutsaid reclining axis, second link means operably with said back frame andsaid first link means for allowing reclining movement of said back frameby allowing said back frame to pivot relative to said first link meanswhile preventing movement of said first link means about said foldingaxis and for allowing folding movement of said back frame by allowingsaid first link means to pivot relative to said cushion frame about saidfolding axis while preventing said back frame from pivoting relative tosaid first link means, said second link means being pivotally connectedadjacent a first end thereof to said cushion frame for pivotal movementrelative thereto about said reclining axis.

9. An assembly as set forth in claim 8 wherein said second link meanshas a second end and has at least one generally arcuate extremitybetween the ends thereof, said back frame includes an arcuate sectionhaving the same radius as said arcuate extremity of said second linkmeans, said second link means and said arcuate section being generallycoextensive in said upright seat-forming position, first flange meansextending from said second link means for coacting with said arcuatesection so that said second link means pivots about said reclining axiswith said back frame at least in one direction to control the reclinedposition of said back frame.

10. An assembly as set forth in claim 9 including positioning meansinterconnecting said cushion frame and said second end of said secondlink means to control the pivotal movement of said second link meansabout said reclining axis for positioning said back frame in any one ofvarious reclined positions.

11. An assembly as set forth in claim 9 wherein said second link meansand said arcuate section are disposed in an are about said firstmentioned pivotal connection so that said arcuate section may moverelative to said second link means by pivoting in said are about saidfirst-mentioned pivotal connection to allow forwardly folding movementof said back frame.

12. An assembly as set forth in claim 11 wherein said control meansincludes first stop means operable between said first and second linkmeans and said back frame for limiting reclining movement of said backframe at said upright seatforming position and at a fully reclinedposition.

13. An assembly as set forth in claim 12 wherein said control meansincludes second stop means operable between said first and second linkmeans and said back frame for limiting folding movement of said backframe at said upright seatforming position and at a fully forwardlyfolded position.

14. An assembly as set forth in claim 13 wherein said first link meansincludes a first segment which is disposed in an are about saidfirst-mentioned pivotal connection and is generally coextensive withsaid arcuate section and said second link means when in said uprightseat forming position.

15. An assembly as set forth in claim 14 wherein said control meansoperatively interconnects said back frame and said cushion frameadjacent one side of said seat assembly and a single pivotal connectioninterconnects said back frame and said cushion frame adjacent theopposite side of said seat assembly so that said reclining axis and saidfolding axis intersect at said single pivotal connection.

16. An assembly as set forth in claim 14 wherein said control meansoperatively interconnects said back frame and said cushion frameadjacent opposite sides of said seat assembly so that said recliningaxis and said folding axis are generally parallel to one another.

17. An assembly as set forth in claim 14 wherein said control means isdisposed inwardly of the sides of said cushion frame.

18. An assembly as set forth in claim 17 wherein each of said secondlink means, said arcuate section and said first segment has respectivefront and rear edges with said front edges being closer to said foldingaxis than said rear edges.

19. An assembly as set forth in claim 18 wherein said second stop meansincludes a stop tab extending from said rear edge of said first segmentof said first link means for coacting with said rear edge of saidarcuate section of said back frame and a portion of said back frameoffset from one of said edges of said arcuate section and a first tabextending from one edge of said second link means for engaging theoffset portion to limit folding movement in said upright seat-formingposition as said back frame is pivoted from said forward folded positiontoward said upright seat-forming position and to support said backframe.

20. An assembly as set forth in claim 19 wherein said first flange meansincludes a second tab extending from said front edge of said second linkmeans to coact with said front edge of said arcuate section of said backframe whereby said arcuate section and said second link means pivottogether during reclining movement of said back frame toward said fullyreclined position.

21. An assembly as set forth in claim 20 wherein said first link meansincludes a second segment extending from one end of said first segmentto said first-mentioned pivotal connection.

22. An assembly as set forth'in claim 21 wherein said second stop meansincludes an extension of one of said first and second tabs for engagingsaid second segment of said first link means to prevent further foldingmovement of said back frame when the latter reaches said fully forwardlyfolded position.

23. An assembly as set forth in claim 22 wherein said first stop meansincludes said first flange means and a first offset portion of saidsecond segment of said first link means which coacts with said secondtab to prevent further reclining movement of said back frame when thelatter reaches said fully reclined position.

24. An assembly as set forth in claim 23 including a second offsetportion in said second segment of said first link means for coactingwith said second link means to prevent forward folding movement duringreclining movement of said back frame and to prevent reclining movementduring forward folding movement of said back frame.

25. An assembly as set forth in claim 24 wherein said control meansoperatively interconnects said back frame and said cushion frameadjacent one side of said seat assembly and a single pivotal connectioninterconnects said back frame and said cushion frame adjacent theopposite side of said seat assembly so that said reclining axis and saidfolding axis intersect at said single pivotal connection.

26. An assembly as set forth in claim 25 wherein said first tab extendsfrom said rear edge of said second link means.

27. An assembly as set forth in claim 26 wherein said extension is partof said second tab on said front edge of said second link means.

28. An assembly as set forth in claim 27 wherein said first flange meansincludes a third tab extending from said rear edge of said second linkmeans for coacting with said rear edge of said arcuate section of saidback frame.

29. An assembly as set forth in claim 28 wherein said second offsetportion of said second segment of said first link means comprises afourth tab extending therefrom for coacting with the extremity of saidfirst tab extending from said second link means during recliningmovement and for coacting with said second tab of said second link meansduring forward folding movement.

30. An assembly as set forth in claim 29 wherein said first offsetportion of said second segment of said first link means comprises aprojection extending transversely from said fourth tab for coacting withsaid second tab of said second link means when said back frame reachessaid fully reclined position.

31. An assembly as set forth in claim 24 wherein said control meansoperatively interconnects said back frame and said cushion frameadjacent opposite sides of said seat assembly so that said recliningaxis and said folding axis are generally parallel to one another.

32. An assembly as set forth in'claim 31 wherein said first tab extendsfrom said front edge of said second link means and is juxtaposed to saidsecond tab.

33. An assembly as set forth in claim 32 wherein said extension is partof said first tab on said front edge of said second link means.

34. An assembly as set forth in claim 33 wherein said second offsetportion of said second segment of said first link means comprises a jogtherealong so that the portions of said second segment on opposite sidesof said jog are in different planes whereby said jog coacts with saidsecond end of said second link means during reclining movement andcoacts with said second tab of said second link means during foldingmovement.

35. An assembly as set forth in claim 34 wherein said first offsetportion of said second segment of said first link means comprises a hookfor coacting with said second tab of said second link means when saidback frame reaches said fully reclined position.

36. An assembly as set forth in claim 35 operatively interconnectingsaid back frame and said cushion frame adjacent one side of the seatassembly and including only a similar first link means and arcuatesection of said back frame for interconnecting said back frame and saidcushion frame on the opposite side of said seat assembly.

1. A seat assembly comprising: a cushion frame, a back frame, saidcontrol means including first link means pivotally connected to saidback frame through a first pivotal connection to define a reclining axisabout which said back frame reclines and pivotally connected to saidcushion frame through a second pivotal connection to define a forwardfolding axis about which said back frame pivots forwardly relative tosaid cushion frame, and means engageable with said first link means forautomatically preventing said first link means from pivoting about saidreclining axis during forward folding movement of said back frame fromsaid upright seat-forming position until said back frame returns to saidupright position and for automatically preventing said first link meansfrom pivoting about said forward folding axis during reclining movementof said back frame from said upright seat-forming position until saidback frame returns to said upright position.
 2. An assembly as set forthin claim 1 including positioning means for positioning said back framein any one of various reclined positions.
 3. An assembly as set forth inclaim 1 wherein said last-mentioned means includes first stop means forlimiting reclining movement of said back frame.
 4. An assembly as setforth in claim 3 wherein said last-mentioned means includes second stopmeans for limiting folding movement of said back frame.
 5. An assemblyas set forth in claim 1 wherein said control means includes second linkmeans operable with said back frame and said first link means forallowing reclining movement of said back frame by allowing said backframe to pivot relative to said first link means while preventingmovement of said first link means about said folding axis and forallowing folding movement of said back frame by allowing said first linkmeans to pivot relative to said cushion frame about said folding axiswhile preventing said back frame from pivoting relative to said firstlink means.
 6. An assembly as set forth in claim 5 including first stopmeans operable between said first and second link means and said backframe for limiting reclining movement of said back frame at said uprightseat-forming position and at a fully reclined position.
 7. An assemblyas set forth in claim 6 including second stop means operable betweensaid first and second link means and said back frame for limitingfolding movement of said back frame at said upright seat-formingposition and at a fully forwardly folded position.
 8. A seat assemblycomprising: a cushion frame, a back frame, control means operativelyinterconnecting said frames for allowing said back frame to recline froman upright seat-forming position while preventing forward foldingmovement thereof and for allowing forward folding movement of said backframe from said upright seat-forming position while preventing recliningmovement thereof, said control means including at least one firstpivotal connection for defining a reclining axis about which said backframe reclines relative to said cushion frame and at least one secondpivotal connection for definiNg a forward folding axis about which saidback frame pivots forwardly relative to said cushion frame to accomplishsaid forward folding movement, first link means pivotally connected tosaid cushion frame on said folding axis through said second pivotalconnection and pivotally connected to said back frame so that said backframe may pivot relative thereto about said reclining axis, second linkmeans operably with said back frame and said first link means forallowing reclining movement of said back frame by allowing said backframe to pivot relative to said first link means while preventingmovement of said first link means about said folding axis and forallowing folding movement of said back frame by allowing said first linkmeans to pivot relative to said cushion frame about said folding axiswhile preventing said back frame from pivoting relative to said firstlink means, said second link means being pivotally connected adjacent afirst end thereof to said cushion frame for pivotal movement relativethereto about said reclining axis.
 9. An assembly as set forth in claim8 wherein said second link means has a second end and has at least onegenerally arcuate extremity between the ends thereof, said back frameincludes an arcuate section having the same radius as said arcuateextremity of said second link means, said second link means and saidarcuate section being generally coextensive in said upright seat-formingposition, first flange means extending from said second link means forcoacting with said arcuate section so that said second link means pivotsabout said reclining axis with said back frame at least in one directionto control the reclined position of said back frame.
 10. An assembly asset forth in claim 9 including positioning means interconnecting saidcushion frame and said second end of said second link means to controlthe pivotal movement of said second link means about said reclining axisfor positioning said back frame in any one of various reclinedpositions.
 11. An assembly as set forth in claim 9 wherein said secondlink means and said arcuate section are disposed in an arc about saidfirst mentioned pivotal connection so that said arcuate section may moverelative to said second link means by pivoting in said arc about saidfirst-mentioned pivotal connection to allow forwardly folding movementof said back frame.
 12. An assembly as set forth in claim 11 whereinsaid control means includes first stop means operable between said firstand second link means and said back frame for limiting recliningmovement of said back frame at said upright seat-forming position and ata fully reclined position.
 13. An assembly as set forth in claim 12wherein said control means includes second stop means operable betweensaid first and second link means and said back frame for limitingfolding movement of said back frame at said upright seat-formingposition and at a fully forwardly folded position.
 14. An assembly asset forth in claim 13 wherein said first link means includes a firstsegment which is disposed in an arc about said first-mentioned pivotalconnection and is generally coextensive with said arcuate section andsaid second link means when in said upright seat forming position. 15.An assembly as set forth in claim 14 wherein said control meansoperatively interconnects said back frame and said cushion frameadjacent one side of said seat assembly and a single pivotal connectioninterconnects said back frame and said cushion frame adjacent theopposite side of said seat assembly so that said reclining axis and saidfolding axis intersect at said single pivotal connection.
 16. Anassembly as set forth in claim 14 wherein said control means operativelyinterconnects said back frame and said cushion frame adjacent oppositesides of said seat assembly so that said reclining axis and said foldingaxis are generally parallel to one another.
 17. An assembly as set forthin claim 14 wherein said control means is disposed inwardly of the sidesof said cushion frame.
 18. An assembly as set forth in claim 17 whereineach of said second link means, said arcuate section and said firstsegment has respective front and rear edges with said front edges beingcloser to said folding axis than said rear edges.
 19. An assembly as setforth in claim 18 wherein said second stop means includes a stop tabextending from said rear edge of said first segment of said first linkmeans for coacting with said rear edge of said arcuate section of saidback frame and a portion of said back frame offset from one of saidedges of said arcuate section and a first tab extending from one edge ofsaid second link means for engaging the offset portion to limit foldingmovement in said upright seat-forming position as said back frame ispivoted from said forward folded position toward said uprightseat-forming position and to support said back frame.
 20. An assembly asset forth in claim 19 wherein said first flange means includes a secondtab extending from said front edge of said second link means to coactwith said front edge of said arcuate section of said back frame wherebysaid arcuate section and said second link means pivot together duringreclining movement of said back frame toward said fully reclinedposition.
 21. An assembly as set forth in claim 20 wherein said firstlink means includes a second segment extending from one end of saidfirst segment to said first-mentioned pivotal connection.
 22. Anassembly as set forth in claim 21 wherein said second stop meansincludes an extension of one of said first and second tabs for engagingsaid second segment of said first link means to prevent further foldingmovement of said back frame when the latter reaches said fully forwardlyfolded position.
 23. An assembly as set forth in claim 22 wherein saidfirst stop means includes said first flange means and a first offsetportion of said second segment of said first link means which coactswith said second tab to prevent further reclining movement of said backframe when the latter reaches said fully reclined position.
 24. Anassembly as set forth in claim 23 including a second offset portion insaid second segment of said first link means for coacting with saidsecond link means to prevent forward folding movement during recliningmovement of said back frame and to prevent reclining movement duringforward folding movement of said back frame.
 25. An assembly as setforth in claim 24 wherein said control means operatively interconnectssaid back frame and said cushion frame adjacent one side of said seatassembly and a single pivotal connection interconnects said back frameand said cushion frame adjacent the opposite side of said seat assemblyso that said reclining axis and said folding axis intersect at saidsingle pivotal connection.
 26. An assembly as set forth in claim 25wherein said first tab extends from said rear edge of said second linkmeans.
 27. An assembly as set forth in claim 26 wherein said extensionis part of said second tab on said front edge of said second link means.28. An assembly as set forth in claim 27 wherein said first flange meansincludes a third tab extending from said rear edge of said second linkmeans for coacting with said rear edge of said arcuate section of saidback frame.
 29. An assembly as set forth in claim 28 wherein said secondoffset portion of said second segment of said first link means comprisesa fourth tab extending therefrom for coacting with the extremity of saidfirst tab extending from said second link means during recliningmovement and for coacting with said second tab of said second link meansduring forward folding movement.
 30. An assembly as set forth in claim29 wherein said first offset portion of said second segment of saidfirst link means comprises a projection extending transversely from saidfourth tab for coacting with said second tab of said second link meanswhen said back frame reaches said fully reclined position.
 31. AnassemBly as set forth in claim 24 wherein said control means operativelyinterconnects said back frame and said cushion frame adjacent oppositesides of said seat assembly so that said reclining axis and said foldingaxis are generally parallel to one another.
 32. An assembly as set forthin claim 31 wherein said first tab extends from said front edge of saidsecond link means and is juxtaposed to said second tab.
 33. An assemblyas set forth in claim 32 wherein said extension is part of said firsttab on said front edge of said second link means.
 34. An assembly as setforth in claim 33 wherein said second offset portion of said secondsegment of said first link means comprises a jog therealong so that theportions of said second segment on opposite sides of said jog are indifferent planes whereby said jog coacts with said second end of saidsecond link means during reclining movement and coacts with said secondtab of said second link means during folding movement.
 35. An assemblyas set forth in claim 34 wherein said first offset portion of saidsecond segment of said first link means comprises a hook for coactingwith said second tab of said second link means when said back framereaches said fully reclined position.
 36. An assembly as set forth inclaim 35 operatively interconnecting said back frame and said cushionframe adjacent one side of the seat assembly and including only asimilar first link means and arcuate section of said back frame forinterconnecting said back frame and said cushion frame on the oppositeside of said seat assembly.